MQ-9A UAS Supports USMC Training Exercise

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is working with the US Marine Corps (USMC) on a series of Service-Level Training Exercises (SLTE) using a company-owned MQ-9A UAS to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC). 

The SLTE 2-23 is being conducted near Twentynine Palms, California with participation from Joint Forces. The training ensures participants are prepared for the future dynamic environment.

Contracting the use of MQ-9A enabled USMC to begin integrating Group 5 unmanned aircraft into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for the first time within the various exercises. 

GA-ASI began flying the MQ-9A in February 2023, with a combination of GA-ASI and VMU-3 pilots and sensor operators. The aircraft flew out of GA-ASI’s facility at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, with flights over training ranges in Southwest-Continental United States. The MQ-9A is providing its proven Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data package – including GA-ASI’s Lynx Multi-mode Radar – to provide the USMC with extraordinary situational awareness and simulated close air support.

“GA-ASI is always ready and willing to support the USMC exercises,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development, Patrick Shortsleeve. “We know that being able to utilize an actual MQ-9A is critical to the success of these exercises and helps the USMC ramp-up their training program.”

The SLTE Program consists of a series of exercises, including the live-fire Integrated Training Exercise, Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise, and Force-on-Force MAGTF Warfighting Exercise. 

MAGTFTC executes the SLTE Program, which includes simulated and live-fire armed exercises, to enhance the readiness of the Fleet Marine Forces and support the Marine Corps’ responsibilities to national security.

Find manufacturers of fixed wing UAS for ISR missions, surveying & mapping, search & rescue and other aerial applications>>

Source